Published: September 29, 2006 08:56 pm            

MARTINO: Freedom Hunt teaches everyone

Special needs children get taste of hunting and the great outdoors

Cameron Whitus doesn’t sit still for cerebral palsy. As a matter of fact, he doesn’t sit still for much of anything. In spite of his genetic disorder, he enjoys things most boys do, like sports, watching TV and hunting.

Last weekend the quiet 14-year-old got his taste of the deer woods as he and five other children with special needs took part in the inaugural Freedom Hunt. Others taking part in the event included Brian Foust, Andrew Ash, Brandon Stacks, Cameron Zimmerman and Robbie Irvin.

Because of the dedication and tireless efforts of local businessman Steve Griffey, Freedom Hunt 2006 was much more than a short hunting trip. It was a weekend of camping filled with games, activities, fine food, the creation of everlasting friendships, and of course — hunting. Taking a deer became only secondary and would be incidental to a fun-filled three days.

There are some decisions in life that don’t require deep thought or heavy consideration — and one of these decisions is whether or not to help a child in need. So when Griffey called several months back seeking people to help with his Freedom Hunt many of us were only too eager to volunteer.

The same goes for many area business and conservation minded organizations.

“These types of activities are what this group is all about,” said Tom Melton, president of the Howard County Izaak Walton League, one of the events several corporate sponsors.

The outing was planned around Indiana’s first special youth deer hunting weekend. The camp location, situated on the banks of Eel River in Cass County, filled to capacity on Friday night. After arriving at camp, participants and their parents met the men who would serve as their guides and a host of other volunteers who would do their part in making a memorable weekend for these children.

After everyone became situated and sleeping bags stowed, the entire group had its fill of hobo stew, heated over a roaring fire in traditional cast iron cookware. With stomachs filled, the kids received their first surprise.

Each child was presented with a camouflaged backpack stuffed with literally everything a deer hunter would need. Every youngster took home an entire array of camouflage clothing, hats, gloves, flashlights, knives and warm boots. The kids were also given their own shooting sticks, grunt calls, hand warmers and scent elimination spray.

Sleeping quarters were provided by the Indiana National Guard where days earlier they had set up five army style canvas tents, each housing 10 folding cots. Two more tents would also serve as cooking and dining quarters.

Later that night, sleep wouldn’t come easy for the kids as excitement reached a fever pitch in anticipation of the next day’s hunt. Voices could be heard throughout the night. “Is it time to get up?” one child asked even though it was barely after midnight. After spending just a few short moments with these children, their disabilities were easily forgotten.

“Come on, I’m missing out!” said 15-year-old Brandon Stacks on opening morning as he stumbled from his tent well before daylight. Even though not fully awake, he was giddy with excitement.

“That’s what it’s all about,” said Kokomo’s Ernie Hurst smiling, as we sat sipping coffee in the damp morning air. Hurst would later serve as Brandon’s personal guide..

One by one, each child emerged from the tent dressed in new boots and warm camo clothing. As youngsters headed to the cook tent,, their flashlights sliced the darkness. “I couldn’t sleep at all last night,” said Andrew Ash as he ate warm biscuits and gravy and sipped his orange juice.

Throughout the next two days parents, guides and children were shuttled to and from various ground blinds scattered throughout the 300-acre farm. It seemed as if these groups were coming and going from daylight to dark.

“John, there is a group ready at blind six, can you go get them?” asked Bre Schave, one of the hunt’s coordinators. As I maneuvered the John Deere Gator over muddy trails that coursed their way through the rolling woods, I hoped one of the boys would see success. Although periodic rain showers made the trails messy, it did nothing to dampen spirits.

Sliding to a stop on the wet path I could see the hunter orange hats of Cameron Whitus and his father Robert as they walked out to the two-track road. “Did you see anything?” I asked Cameron as he took a seat next to me in the off-road-vehicle. He just shook his head yes as he stared at me with wistful eyes. On the drive back to camp, every question was met with the same reaction.

After the first day of hunting, many of the kids had seen deer, but no one connected and it didn’t matter. At nightfall the entire group was treated to a hog roast provided by Dan and Eric Douglass. After a full day of hunting and the hearty meal, one-by-one people began retiring for the night.

“It’s going to be a beautiful day,” said volunteer Greg Fouts on the final morning, looking up at the bright stars twinkling in the pre-dawn sky. The routine was the same, children, parents and guides shuttled to and from various blinds. Everyone again enjoyed good food, great friendships and of course, numerous hunting stories.

In the end, after camp was dismantled, the only things left behind were the mud and the memories. I’m not sure who learned most, the kids or the volunteers. The children had an opportunity to acquire several skills and knowledge associated with deer hunting. But the volunteers also took a lesson in life. We learned that genetic disorders or disabilities are no match for an inherent zeal for life. These children take each day as another opportunity to enjoy every precious minute they are given.

The outgoing and positive personalities of these children were contagious, yet at times embarrassing. They made us realize that too many times we may take life for granted and often let insignificant problems negatively affect our daily attitudes.

Sunday, as the final hunt came to a close the children began packing their equipment for the return home. Every one of them took the time to express their sincere appreciation to the people who made the event possible and for the things they had learned. But then again, we were the ones who needed to say “thanks” for what they had taught us.

        

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